Forecast

Region's own resources make it film destination

on March 18, 2017

Amy Biancolli's article "Coming into focus," Feb. 26, outlines key obstacles facing the Albany area's film industry and highlights suggestions from area film professionals who outline the required work if the Capital Region is to lure more productions upriver. While improvements are needed, this view that our primary focus should be on getting downstate projects here is chicken-and-egg: to support more productions we need more infrastructure and to support more infrastructure we need more productions.

We must also recognize where we are; Albany already is a center for film.

Over the past year, through Youth FX programs, including a summer intensive, Albany High after-school workshops and Albany Public Library programs hundreds of youth from myriad backgrounds have made nationally recognized, award-winning films.

Youth FX also has launched The PA Institute, a pilot program to train production assistants for professional work in film production. The institute is full (and wait-listed) with filmmakers eager to join the industry and build community with other creatives. Community is crucial for filmmakers, a fact underscored by "Moonlight'' winning the Oscar for best picture: The film was made by a team who met at film school and had 15 years of work together.

The Capital Region has a strong film foundation that is ready for "action." For every artist who grew up in this arts scene and moved away, there are dozens more who stay. And as the area's reputation grows more artists like myself move here to be part of it.

By continuing to fuel homegrown projects while also attracting outside projects through improved infrastructure, the Capital Region will stand on its own as a thriving film destination because of the diverse and relevant films being made here.